top of page

Teachers

Each of our teachers offers a unique and personal style of teaching. All Lotus Studio teachers have attained internationally recognised teacher registration to assure you of clear guidance through a safe and informative practice. Our teachers are deeply committed to their own practice and teaching.

WEB header.jpg
Vinyasa Yoga
Lotus Studio-185.jpg

Vinyasa

with Kama

Kama is the owner of Lotus studios, a dedicated Yogini and mother of 2 with a deep love of all things yoga. She completed her Vinyasa teacher training (YA RYT200) in Bali at Radiantly Alive in 2016. Since then she has continued her education by completing a further 300hr yoga course based partly in India, a children's yoga course, various online anatomy courses and Iyengar training She continues to grow through her own self practice and continuing study.

​

Join Kama for a dynamic, flowing vinyasa yoga practice that cultivates presence by connecting movement with breath. Awaken your strength, energy and flexibility in a fun atmosphere.

 

“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is about who you become on the way down . . .”

Lotus Studio-105 copy 2_edited.jpg

Yoga Snack

with Ksenjia

n a previous life, ksenija wore a lot of red lipstick and spoke on the phone about 11 hours of the day.  An executive producer juggling many personalities, a mother, a wife.. well. Yoga was the only thing that kept her from losing her damn mind.

In 2019, ksenija took the plunge to complete her 200 hour TT with Living Yoga in Johannesburg after a 10 year love affair with yoga. 

Yoga has had a profound impact on her relatively short life, providing comfort and reflection in times both hard and good.

 

Yoga is for everyone. 

Yoga snack is homage to the previous life - the life where you carve out an hour of your day for you. Instead of lunch break, an hour on the mat to feed the soul. An hour on the mat to grant you serenity before the school pick up. 

An hour to reconnect. And an hour with some music you would not ordinarily listen to. That is yoga snack.

Lotus Studio-160.jpg

Hatha and Yin

with Olia

Olia began practicing Voga 10 years ago in her home country Belarus.

After moving to South Africa in 2011 her yoga journey continued.

As her own practice was getting deeper physically, mentally and emotionally she decided on enrolling into 500Hr International

ISHTA (Integral School of Hatha Yoga and Tantric Arts) YTT led by Marina Contardo at the ISHTA

School of Yoga & Health in Johannesburg which she completed in 2014.

Olia teaches from her heart. Her classes offer creative sequences from gentle to more vigorous, depending on the abilities of the students. She likes to experiment with asanas but also plays with meaningful quotes, yogic philosophy, pranayama, meditation to create a non-competitive and nurturing space for students to discover the benefits of yoga, heal and grow

Kama _ Lotus Studio _ websize-19.jpg

Iyengar Yoga

with Jane

Jane is a certified Level 2 Iyengar teacher with RIMYI Pune and the BKSI Yoga

Institute of South Africa. She has been teaching since 2007 and has loved the

practice of yoga from an early age.

Jane teaches lyengar yoga on an introductory and intermediate level, and her

classes are accessible to all. Her Gentle and Restorative classes allow students of

all ages to connect to the practice, and to feel revived and restored after a class.

The use of props enables students to do the postures with the correct alignment to

obtain the full benefits of the pose, as well as assiting with any injuries or limitations.

I thank the Iyengar family and all my teachers who have taught me over the years

and encouraged and strengthened my yoga practice.

 

“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person

who sees.” B.K.S. Iyengar

Lotus Studio-164.jpg

Mobility & Flexibility

with Tatum

Tatum has been practicing meditation for 15 years and has been involved in conscious body movement for more than 10 years.

She Qualified as an lyengar Teacher in 2019 after 5 years of study.

Based on the idea of Mobility and Flexibility for overall health and mental wellbeing, this blue-zone inspired class incorporates stretch and strength poses; transitioning from one position to another; concentration on core strength; sensitivity to the state of ones own body on any particular day; using breathing and awareness in movement.

 

Tatums classes are deeply anchored in Iyengar Yoga training - with precision in alignment, wide use of props & incorporation of inversions tailored to specific needs of each student.  

9578bc7b-3dc2-4502-9fc9-cfa302fc2a03.JPG

Mindful Flow and Breath & Body Conditioning

with Natasha

Yoga found Natasha in her early 20's and blossomed into a life long journey. She completed her 108 sun solutions 8 1/2 months pregnant obtaining her 200 YTT before the birth of her first son. She is also a fully certified Basi pilates instructor.

Yoga is a journey from the self to the self, but it doesn't mean the journey can't be fun.

Her mindful vinyasa class connects breath to movement along with some great music to inspire you.

Any level of fitness or experience with yoga is welcome. Her focus is for you to become more connected and aware of the beautiful body and sprit you have 

Lotus Studio-171.jpg

Yoga Fusion

with Debbie

Debbie started her yoga journey in 1997 purely as an addition to Her exercise program. But quickly realized the extensive benefits both - physically and mentally - and 24 years later She still loves it and continues to evolve with it.

Her passion and training also led Her to Thailand where She studied Nuad

Boran (Northern Style Thai

Massage).

Join Debbies classes for toning, and strength with flexibility - finished off with a blissful guided relaxation. all levels welcome

her style of yoga has evolved over the years to incorporate pilates and other types of toning, She believes that everyone should do some form of yoga but sometimes you need to add a little something else to convince the skeptics. "It gives me so much pleasure to see my students become more flexible and strong as they go on this journey with me

IMG_6084-768x768.jpg

Nia

Neuro muscular action 

with Cecile

Cecile is passionate about NIA, Ballet, Pilates, being active, and social & cultural activities.

 

After completing her studies at Stellenbosch University she lived in South Korea for 6 years, where she taught English. In 2014, she attended the BASI Mat Pilates Instructors course in Seoul and completed her exams in Cape Town in March 2015.(BASI is an International Pilates Company, priding itself in its various professional instructor courses.)

​

Cecile and her family relocated to Knysna in 2018. During 2022 Cecile qualified as a Face Yoga teacher, with the Danielle Collins Face Yoga School in the UK.

 

Cecile qualified as a NIA White Belt instructor, with the guidance of Mia Steyn in March 2023.

 

Cecile's mission is to add value, with a true and loving connection, to your healthy lifestyle path! Join Cecile in a Nia class to experience a blend of dance, martial arts, healing arts, music and JOY into an effective, inspiring and adaptable whole-body experience thateveryBody can do!

Lotus Studio-179.jpg

Pilates & Barre

with Tristan

Tristans lifetime love for movement lead her down a path of self-discovery and uncovered a deep fascination in anatomy and the human body. This lead to her on a journey of studying STOTT Pilates, intensive matwork and to becoming a certified Bootybarre Instructor.

Join Tristan for a workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. It focuses on low-impact, high intensity movements designed to strengthen your whole body! In addition to building strength, this full-body workout also develops agility and flexibility. And its all motivated by a great playlist! Bring along your determination, your laughter, and a desire to sweat whilst toning and stretching your whole body. This is movement for every body.

Lotus Studio-156 copy.jpg

Biodanza

with Michelle

Michelle creates safe spaces for growth and transformation. She is an experienced Biodanza facilitator who is passionate about sharing her love of dance and healing. She also brings depth and therapeutic skills as a HPCSA registered Art Therapist with over 15 years experience of working with individuals and groups.

​

The undeniable power of music lies in its capacity to inspire, heal, and transform. Music transcends barriers to speak directly to our emotions and souls, evoking memories, uplifting our spirits, and creating connections.

I invite you on a journey of movement and dance with carefully selected music that will explore and celebrate music as a universal language that unites us in shared experiences.

No dance experience is needed and nothing to get right or wrong. Adults and teens over 16 are welcome.

​

 

Lotus Studio-175.jpg

Pilates & Body Maintenance

with Leslie

Lesley's pilates classes or private lessons are a whole body exercise, focusing on integration of strength, balance and body awareness. These classes accommodate all ages and abilities helping to improve posture and core strength alleviating typical lower back and neck pain.

Woman Stretching Arms Backward

Stretch & Tone

with Tash

Tash believes that fitness is the key to a healthy mind and body. She started her yoga journey at the age of 16 and the proverbial yoga-bug bit immediately. After 19 years, I have practiced various styles of yoga but have strong roots in Ashtanga and power yoga.

 

My passion for practicing yoga turned into a passion for teaching it and this led me to the US for a short stint where I was an instructor for 6 months. Upon returning, whether it was expanding my own practice or instructing others, yoga has always been a part of my life.

 

My approach to yoga is a holistic one and I believe that yoga is just as important for the mind as it is for the body. This is why I design my classes to include both exercise and guided relaxation. My goal is for my students to leave my classes feeling that they have had a good workout as well as having let go of some of the stress they arrived with. 

 

I look forward to seeing you on the mat.

Keri-Ann TRE.jpg

TRE

Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises

with Keri-Ann

Keri-Ann is a certified TRE practitioner, trained under Haley Ritzlmayr and further expanded her knowledge with Fascia Trauma Release (FTR) with certification under Liza Kimble. These two modalities have deepened her understanding of the nervous system’s health, which is crucial in reducing daily pains and lowering anxiety.

TRE, in particular, has been life-changing for her. It has provided her with invaluable tools to release tension, trauma, and stress stored in the body. The benefits are significant: it not only alleviates physical discomfort but also nurtures emotional well-being by calming the nervous system.

She believes TRE is truly a gift to oneself, offering lasting, positive changes. She encourages others to explore this practice, as it has the potential to improve both physical and emotional health. She wholeheartedly recommends giving it a try— it’s a calling to help others reclaim their balance and well-being.

 

Stress is something we all experience, but without ways to release it, it can build up in our bodies, causing tension, aches, and emotional heaviness. Over time, this can lead to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, or even physical discomfort like stiff necks and tight muscles.

Once you’ve learned TRE, it becomes a personal self-healing tool, something you can turn to anytime you need to bring calm and relaxation into your life. It’s a simple, empowering practice, helping you feel more centered, grounded, and free from physical tension.

​

In this gentle yet powerful class, you will be guided through a series of simple exercises designed to help your body release deep-seated tension, stress, and trauma. Using a combination of stretching, breathing techniques, and mindful movement, TRE activates the body's natural tremor response, allowing it to let go of accumulated stress and promote relaxation.

You'll cultivate awareness of your body and breath, as TRE focuses specifically on releasing the nervous system's stored tension. TRE offers a gentle, freeing way to shake off this built-up tension. Whether your stress is from daily challenges or deeper past experiences, TRE helps your body release what it no longer needs, leaving you feeling lighter and more at ease. This body-based practice doesn’t require reliving old stories; instead, it taps into your body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance.

In our TRE sessions, we create a warm, supportive space where you can explore this light, restorative process. It’s an invitation to release what weighs you down and reconnect with a sense of calm and well-being

bottom of page